1
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Orban B, Mottram P, Melville H, Gaugris CAV, Thomas A, Drescher K, Kabafouako GN, Gaugris J. Camera trap inventory of wild mammals in the Hinda District, Republic of Congo. Afr J Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Orban
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
| | - Phoebe Mottram
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
| | - Haemish Melville
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Caroline Anne Vasicek Gaugris
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
- Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Alain Thomas
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
| | - Karsten Drescher
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
- KD Geospatial AB Malå Sweden
| | | | - Jerome Gaugris
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
- Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
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2
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DeGroot TL, Wolfe JD, Powell LL, Esono F, Ebana A, Barrientos C, Torrent L, Brzeski KE. Human impacts on mammal communities in Rio Campo Nature Reserve, Equatorial Guinea. Afr J Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiff L. DeGroot
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Michigan Technological University Houghton Michigan USA
- Biodiversity Initiative Houghton Michigan USA
| | - Jared D. Wolfe
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Michigan Technological University Houghton Michigan USA
- Biodiversity Initiative Houghton Michigan USA
| | - Luke L. Powell
- Biodiversity Initiative Houghton Michigan USA
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
- Department of Biosciences Durham University Durham UK
| | - Fidel Esono
- National Institute of Forestry Development and Protected Areas Management (INDEFOR‐AP) Bata Equatorial Guinea
| | - Agustín Ebana
- Biodiversity Initiative Houghton Michigan USA
- National Institute of Forestry Development and Protected Areas Management (INDEFOR‐AP) Bata Equatorial Guinea
| | | | - Laura Torrent
- Biodiversity Initiative Houghton Michigan USA
- BiBio (Biodiversity and Bioindicators Research Group) Natural Sciences Museum of Granollers Granollers Spain
| | - Kristin E. Brzeski
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Michigan Technological University Houghton Michigan USA
- Biodiversity Initiative Houghton Michigan USA
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3
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Cordier CP, Smith DAE, Smith YE, Downs CT. Camera trap research in Africa: A systematic review to show trends in wildlife monitoring and its value as a research tool. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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4
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Acquah E, Nsor CA, Boadi S, Owusu EA. Effects of environmental factors on the distribution of flagship species in Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumawu, Ghana: Implications for conservation and ecotourism development. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Acquah
- Department of Forest Resources Technology Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Collins Ayine Nsor
- Department of Forest Resources Technology Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Samuel Boadi
- Department of Forest Resources Technology Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
| | - Edwin Agyapong Owusu
- Department of Forest Resources Technology Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ghana
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5
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Oğurlu İ, Ünal Y, Yelsiz MŞ, Pekin B. The Effects of Feral Dogs on Wildlife in a Nature Reserve in Southern Turkey. POLISH JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3161/15052249pje2020.70.1.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- İdris Oğurlu
- Istanbul Ticaret University, Environmental and Natural Sciences, Application and Research Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasin Ünal
- Isparta University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, 32260, Isparta, Turkey & Istanbul Ticaret University, Istanbul, Turkey, ORCID 0000-0001-7180-133X
| | - Mehmet Şirin Yelsiz
- Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, 15030 Burdur, Turkey
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6
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Scalbert M, Vermeulen C, Breuer T, Doucet J. The challenging coexistence of forest elephants
Loxodonta cyclotis
and timber concessions in central Africa. Mamm Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Scalbert
- Université de Liège – Gembloux Agro‐Bio Tech, Forest is Life, Terra Teaching and Research Centre Passage des Déportés 2 B‐5030 Gembloux Belgium
| | - Cédric Vermeulen
- Université de Liège – Gembloux Agro‐Bio Tech, Forest is Life, Terra Teaching and Research Centre Passage des Déportés 2 B‐5030 Gembloux Belgium
| | - Thomas Breuer
- World Wide Fund for Nature Germany Reinhardstr. 18 10117 Berlin Germany
| | - Jean‐Louis Doucet
- Université de Liège – Gembloux Agro‐Bio Tech, Forest is Life, Terra Teaching and Research Centre Passage des Déportés 2 B‐5030 Gembloux Belgium
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7
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Hlatshwayo TI, Stam EM, Collinson-Jonker WJ, Dawood A. An inventory of amphibian roadkill in the western Soutpansberg, Limpopo province, South Africa. AFR J HERPETOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2022.2115154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thabo I Hlatshwayo
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
- The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Eduard M Stam
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Wendy J Collinson-Jonker
- The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Research Fellow: South African Research Chair in Biodiversity Value and Change, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Abeda Dawood
- Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
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8
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Gaugris J, Orban B, Niemand L, Walsh G, Burger M, Morley R, Melville H, Drescher K, Kabafouako G, Vasicek Gaugris C. Short recce transects or camera trap surveys—Short recce surveys highlighted as a useful supplement for rapid biodiversity assessments in the Republic of the Congo. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Gaugris
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
- Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Ben Orban
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
| | - Lukas Niemand
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
| | - Gina Walsh
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Marius Burger
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
- African Amphibian Conservation Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management North‐West University Potchefstroom South Africa
| | - Robert Morley
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
| | - Haemish Melville
- Department of Environmental Sciences University of South Africa Florida South Africa
| | - Karsten Drescher
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
| | - Gérard Kabafouako
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
| | - Caroline Vasicek Gaugris
- Flora, Fauna & Man Ecological Services Tortola British Virgin Islands
- Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
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9
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The impacts of human activity on mammals in a community forest near the Dja Biosphere Reserve in Cameroon. ORYX 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605321000806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Human activity in African tropical rainforests continues to threaten wild mammals. Many rural communities are dependent on hunting, yet there is a widespread lack of baseline data on ecology and the sustainability of hunting. We investigated the impacts of human activity on mammal species composition and distributions within a community forest surrounding a village in the buffer zone of the Dja Biosphere Reserve in south-east Cameroon. We conducted a camera-trap survey in August–November 2017 and detected 24 mammal species, including Critically Endangered western lowland gorilla Gorilla gorilla gorilla, Endangered central African chimpanzee Pan troglodytes troglodytes and Endangered tree pangolin Phataginus tricuspis. We used occupancy analysis to explore relationships between indicators of human activity (distance to a road and the Reserve), habitat quality (distance to the river and tree cover) and the distributions of species. We found that the local distribution of threatened mammals was not apparently limited by human activity, and proximity to the road did not negatively influence occupancy for any species. However, most of the Reserve's large species were not detected, including the African forest elephant Loxodonta cyclotis and the largest ungulates, and the occupancy of two species commonly hunted for wild meat was positively correlated with distance from the village, indicating hunting may be unsustainable. Our results show that the community forest provides habitat for threatened species outside the Reserve and in close proximity to people. However, effective conservation management will require continued monitoring and research to determine whether current rates of hunting are sustainable.
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10
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Gebo B, Takele S, Shibru S. Anthropogenic land-use and environmental factors affecting the species richness and occurrence of carnivores in the Faragosa-Fura Landscape of Southern Rift Valley, Ethiopia. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-021-04930-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAnthropogenic land-use changes pose significant threats to the diversity and occurrence of wildlife species around the world. We investigated how land-use and environmental factors affect the richness and occurrence of carnivore species in the Faragosa-Fura Landscape of the Southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia. We used the line transect method to collect data, combining three complementary field survey techniques: sign survey, camera trapping, and opportunistic sighting surveys. We confirmed the presence of 12 carnivore species belonging to six families, including the vulnerable Felidae species Panthera pardus. More species were found in the family’s Felidae and Herpestidae, while Hyaenidae and Mustelidae were composed of a single species each. The two large-sized species identified were Panthera pardus and Crocuta crocuta. The species richness was the highest in wetlands, while it was the lowest in the settlement. The occurrence of most carnivores was negatively associated with agricultural land and settlements, while they were positively associated with wetlands and altitude. Genetta genetta had the highest occurrence, while Panthera pardus had the lowest in the area. We concluded that of the studied habitats, wetlands are the most important, and anthropogenic land-uses have a negative impact on species richness. Our findings provide valuable baseline data for stakeholders making critical conservation decisions as well as researchers conducting related ecological studies in a human-dominated landscape. Based on our findings, we propose a basic approach for integrating land management and wildlife conservation.Article Highlights
Twelve carnivore species belonging to six families were identified; only two were large-sized.
The species richness was the highest in wetlands, while it was the lowest in settlements and agricultural land.
Most species tended to have positive associations with higher altitudes and wetlands and negative associations with settlements, agricultural land, and roads.
Our finding highlights valuable baseline data for critical conservation decisions as well as researchers in a human-dominated landscape.
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11
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Diepstraten J, Willie J. Assessing the structure and drivers of biological sounds along a disturbance gradient. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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12
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Laguardia A, Gobush K, Bourgeois S, Strindberg S, Abitsi G, Ebouta F, Fay J, Gopalaswamy A, Maisels F, Ogden R, White L, Stokes E. Assessing the feasibility of density estimation methodologies for African forest elephant at large spatial scales. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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13
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Li W, Yang P, Li B, Liu C, Sun L, Li J. Habitat characteristics or protected area size: What is more important for the composition and diversity of mammals in nonprotected areas? Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7250-7263. [PMID: 34188810 PMCID: PMC8216947 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The margins of protected areas are usually considered to have greater forest degradation, and given that most mammals live outside protected areas, researchers and conservation practitioners are increasingly recognizing that nonprotected areas must be incorporated into conservation strategy. However, the strategy used to manage these areas still involves increasing the size of protected areas, while not considering the habitat characteristics and requirements of the species. In this study, during a 3-year period, camera trap and habitat characteristic surveys were used to estimate composition, diversity, and habitat characteristics of mammals to determine habitat characteristics or increase the size of protected areas what should be considered first for mammals' conservation in a nonprotected area near the Huangshan Mountains in Anhui Province, China. From June 2017 to October 2019, 18 species of mammals were recorded, more than in any other protected area nearby. The linear model analysis results showed that habitat characteristics of mammals were different and showed a significant correlation with their relative abundance. Most species were related to vegetation characteristics, except primates (Macaca thibetana), and rodents (Leopoldamys edwardsi). Therefore, to establish conservation policies for nonprotected areas, habitat characteristics should be of prime concern, followed by increasing the size of protected areas to provide effective refuge areas for species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Li
- School of Resources and Environmental EngineeringAnhui UniversityHefeiChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavioral EcologyAnhui UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Peipei Yang
- School of Resources and Environmental EngineeringAnhui UniversityHefeiChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavioral EcologyAnhui UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Bowen Li
- School of Resources and Environmental EngineeringAnhui UniversityHefeiChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavioral EcologyAnhui UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental EngineeringAnhui UniversityHefeiChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavioral EcologyAnhui UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Lixing Sun
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavioral EcologyAnhui UniversityHefeiChina
- Department of Biological SciencesCentral Washington UniversityEllensburgWAUSA
| | - Jinhua Li
- School of Resources and Environmental EngineeringAnhui UniversityHefeiChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavioral EcologyAnhui UniversityHefeiChina
- School of Life SciencesHefei Normal UniversityHefeiChina
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14
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No Planet for Apes? Assessing Global Priority Areas and Species Affected by Linear Infrastructures. INT J PRIMATOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-021-00207-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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15
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Mills KL, Harris NC. Humans disrupt access to prey for large African carnivores. eLife 2020; 9:60690. [PMID: 33206047 PMCID: PMC7673783 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife respond to human presence by adjusting their temporal niche, possibly modifying encounter rates among species and trophic dynamics that structure communities. We assessed wildlife diel activity responses to human presence and consequential changes in predator-prey overlap using 11,111 detections of 3 large carnivores and 11 ungulates across 21,430 camera trap-nights in West Africa. Over two-thirds of species exhibited diel responses to mainly diurnal human presence, with ungulate nocturnal activity increasing by 7.1%. Rather than traditional pairwise predator-prey diel comparisons, we considered spatiotemporally explicit predator access to several prey resources to evaluate community-level trophic responses to human presence. Although leopard prey access was not affected by humans, lion and spotted hyena access to three prey species significantly increased when prey increased their nocturnal activity to avoid humans. Human presence considerably influenced the composition of available prey, with implications for prey selection, demonstrating how humans perturb ecological processes via behavioral modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirby L Mills
- Applied Wildlife Ecology Lab, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Nyeema C Harris
- Applied Wildlife Ecology Lab, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
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16
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Li XY, Bleisch WV, Liu XW, Hu WQ, Jiang XL. Human disturbance and prey occupancy as predictors of carnivore richness and biomass in a Himalayan hotspot. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- X. Y. Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution Kunming Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Kunming Yunnan China
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio‐Resources Laboratory of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Yunnan University Kunming China
| | - W. V. Bleisch
- China Exploration and Research Society SouthMark Hong Kong PRC
| | - X. W. Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution Kunming Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Kunming Yunnan China
| | - W. Q. Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution Kunming Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Kunming Yunnan China
| | - X. L. Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution Kunming Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Kunming Yunnan China
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio‐Resources Laboratory of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Yunnan University Kunming China
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17
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Brand CM, Johnson MB, Parker LD, Maldonado JE, Korte L, Vanthomme H, Alonso A, Ruiz-Lopez MJ, Wells CP, Ting N. Abundance, density, and social structure of African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) in a human-modified landscape in southwestern Gabon. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231832. [PMID: 32348354 PMCID: PMC7190099 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Population monitoring is critical to effective conservation, but forest living taxa can be difficult to directly observe. This has been true of African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis), for which we have limited information regarding population size and social behavior despite their threatened conservation status. In this study, we estimated demographic parameters using genetic capture-recapture of forest elephants in the southern Industrial Corridor of the Gamba Complex of Protected Areas in southwestern Gabon, which is considered a global stronghold for forest elephants. Additionally, we examined social networks, predicting that we would find matrilineal structure seen in both savanna and forest elephants. Given 95% confidence intervals, we estimate population size in the sampled area to be between 754 and 1,502 individuals and our best density estimate ranges from 0.47 to 0.80 elephants per km2. When extrapolated across the entire Industrial Corridor, this estimate suggests an elephant population size of 3,033 to 6,043 based on abundance or 1,684 to 2,832 based on density, approximately 40–80% smaller than previously suggested. Our social network analysis revealed approximately half of network components included females with different mitochondrial haplotypes suggesting a wider range of variation in forest elephant sociality than previously thought. This study emphasizes the threatened status of forest elephants and demonstrates the need to further refine baseline estimates of population size and knowledge on social behavior in this taxon, both of which will aid in determining how population dynamics in this keystone species may be changing through time in relation to increasing conservation threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin M. Brand
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
| | - Mireille B. Johnson
- Gabon Biodiversity Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Gamba, Gabon
| | - Lillian D. Parker
- Department of Biosciences, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States of America
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jesús E. Maldonado
- Department of Biosciences, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States of America
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Lisa Korte
- Gabon Biodiversity Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Gamba, Gabon
| | - Hadrien Vanthomme
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Alfonso Alonso
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | - Caitlin P. Wells
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
| | - Nelson Ting
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Tédonzong LRD, Willie J, Makengveu ST, Lens L, Tagg N. Variation in behavioral traits of two frugivorous mammals may lead to differential responses to human disturbance. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:3798-3813. [PMID: 32313637 PMCID: PMC7160177 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human activities can lead to a shift in wildlife species' spatial distribution. Understanding the specific effects of human activities on ranging behavior can improve conservation management of wildlife populations in human-dominated landscapes. This study evaluated the effects of forest use by humans on the spatial distribution of mammal species with different behavioral adaptations, using sympatric western lowland gorilla and central chimpanzee as focal species. We collected data on great ape nest locations, ecological and physical variables (habitat distribution, permanent rivers, and topographic data), and anthropogenic variables (distance to trails, villages, and a permanent research site). Here, we show that anthropogenic variables are important predictors of the distribution of wild animals. In the resource model, the distribution of gorilla nests was predicted by nesting habitat distribution, while chimpanzee nests were predicted first by elevation followed by nesting habitat distribution. In the anthropogenic model, the major predictors of gorilla nesting changed to human features, while the major predictors of chimpanzee nesting remained elevation and the availability of their preferred nesting habitats. Animal behavioral traits (body size, terrestrial/arboreal, level of specialization/generalization, and competitive inferiority/superiority) may influence the response of mammals to human activities. Our results suggest that chimpanzees may survive in human-encroached areas whenever the availability of their nesting habitat and preferred fruits can support their population, while a certain level of human activities may threaten gorillas. Consequently, the survival of gorillas in human-dominated landscapes is more at risk than that of chimpanzees. Replicating our research in other sites should permit a systematic evaluation of the influence of human activity on the distribution of mammal populations. As wild animals are increasingly exposed to human disturbance, understanding the resulting consequences of shifting species distributions due to human disturbance on animal population abundance and their long-term survival will be of growing conservation importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Roscelin Dongmo Tédonzong
- Projet Grands Singes (PGS), CameroonCentre for Research and Conservation (CRC)Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (RZSA)AntwerpenBelgium
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC)Department of BiologyGhent University (UGent)GhentBelgium
- Present address:
Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF)MonroviaLiberia
| | - Jacob Willie
- Projet Grands Singes (PGS), CameroonCentre for Research and Conservation (CRC)Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (RZSA)AntwerpenBelgium
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC)Department of BiologyGhent University (UGent)GhentBelgium
| | - Sandra Tewamba Makengveu
- Projet Grands Singes (PGS), CameroonCentre for Research and Conservation (CRC)Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (RZSA)AntwerpenBelgium
- Department of ForestryFaculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FASA)University of DschangDschangCameroon
| | - Luc Lens
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC)Department of BiologyGhent University (UGent)GhentBelgium
| | - Nikki Tagg
- Projet Grands Singes (PGS), CameroonCentre for Research and Conservation (CRC)Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (RZSA)AntwerpenBelgium
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19
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Collinson W, Davies-Mostert H, Roxburgh L, van der Ree R. Status of Road Ecology Research in Africa: Do We Understand the Impacts of Roads, and How to Successfully Mitigate Them? Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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20
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Melville H, Gaugris J. The shortcomings of short‐term biodiversity studies in assessing mammalian diversity, a case study in the Niari Province, Republic of Congo. Afr J Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haemish Melville
- Department of Environmental Sciences University of South Africa Florida South Africa
| | - Jerome Gaugris
- FLORA FAUNA & MAN Ecological Services Ltd. Tortola British Virgin Islands
- Centre for African Ecology School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
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Chakraborty D, Reddy M, Tiwari S, Umapathy G. Land Use Change Increases Wildlife Parasite Diversity in Anamalai Hills, Western Ghats, India. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11975. [PMID: 31427608 PMCID: PMC6700131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48325-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic landscape changes such as land use change and habitat fragmentation are known to alter wildlife diversity. Since host and parasite diversities are strongly connected, landscape changes are also likely to change wildlife parasite diversity with implication for wildlife health. However, research linking anthropogenic landscape change and wildlife parasite diversity is limited, especially comparing effects of land use change and habitat fragmentation, which often cooccur but may affect parasite diversity substantially differently. Here, we assessed how anthropogenic land use change (presence of plantation, livestock foraging and human settlement) and habitat fragmentation may change the gastrointestinal parasite diversity of wild mammalian host species (n = 23) in Anamalai hills, India. We found that presence of plantations, and potentially livestock, significantly increased parasite diversity due possibly to spillover of parasites from livestock to wildlife. However, effect of habitat fragmentation on parasite diversity was not significant. Together, our results showed how human activities may increase wildlife parasite diversity within human-dominated landscape and highlighted the complex pattern of parasite diversity distribution as a result of cooccurrence of multiple anthropogenic landscape changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debapriyo Chakraborty
- CSIR-Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, 500048, India
- EP57 P C Ghosh Road, Kolkata, 700048, India
| | - Mahender Reddy
- CSIR-Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, 500048, India
| | - Sunil Tiwari
- CSIR-Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, 500048, India
| | - Govindhaswamy Umapathy
- CSIR-Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, 500048, India.
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Johnson MB, Parker LD, Vanthomme H, Tchignoumba L, Deichmann JL, Maldonado JE, Korte L, Alonso A. Patterns of genetic diversity in African forest elephants living in a human‐modified landscape in southwest Gabon. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mireille B. Johnson
- Gabon Biodiversity Program Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Gamba Gabon
| | - Lillian D. Parker
- Center for Conservation Genomics Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Washington District of Columbia
- Department of Biosciences, School of Systems Biology George Mason University Fairfax Virginia
| | - Hadrien Vanthomme
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Washington District of Columbia
| | - Landry Tchignoumba
- Gabon Biodiversity Program Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Gamba Gabon
| | - Jessica L. Deichmann
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Washington District of Columbia
| | - Jesús E. Maldonado
- Center for Conservation Genomics Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Washington District of Columbia
| | - Lisa Korte
- Gabon Biodiversity Program Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Gamba Gabon
| | - Alfonso Alonso
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Washington District of Columbia
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Garriga RM, Marco I, Casas-Díaz E, Acevedo P, Amarasekaran B, Cuadrado L, Humle T. Factors influencing wild chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) relative abundance in an agriculture-swamp matrix outside protected areas. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215545. [PMID: 31095574 PMCID: PMC6522039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human population growth and anthropogenic activities are exacerbating pressures on biodiversity globally. Land conversion is aggravating habitat fragmentation and non-human primates are increasingly compelled to live in forest-agricultural mosaics. In Sierra Leone, more than half of the wild chimpanzee population (Pan troglodytes verus) occurs outside protected areas and competes for resources with farmers. Our study area, in the Moyamba district in south-western Sierra Leone, is practically devoid of forest and is dominated by cultivated and fallow fields, swamps and mangroves. In this region, traditional slash-and-burn agriculture modifies annually the landscape, sparing swamps and mangroves and semi-domesticated oil palms (Elaeis guineensis). This study aimed to explore ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing chimpanzee relative abundance across this highly degraded and human-impacted landscape. Between 2015 and 2016, we deployed 24 camera traps systematically across 27 1.25x1.25 km grid cells. Cameras were operational over a period of 8 months. We used binomial iCAR models to examine to what extent anthropogenic (roads, settlements, abandoned settlements and human presence) and habitat variables (swamps, farmland and mangroves) shape chimpanzee relative abundance. The best model explained 43.16% of the variation with distance to roads and swamps emerging as the best predictors of chimpanzee relative abundance. Our results suggest that chimpanzees avoid roads and prefer to maintain proximity to swamps. There was no significant effect of settlements, abandoned settlements, mangroves or human presence. It appears that chimpanzees do not avoid areas frequented by people; although, our findings suggest temporal avoidance between the two species. We highlight the importance of studying chimpanzee populations living in anthropogenic habitats like agricultural-swamp matrixes to better understand factors influencing their distribution and inform conservation planning outside protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M. Garriga
- Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Ignasi Marco
- Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Encarna Casas-Díaz
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pelayo Acevedo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | - Luna Cuadrado
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Tatyana Humle
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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Vanthomme HPA, Nzamba BS, Alonso A, Todd AF. Empirical selection between least-cost and current-flow designs for establishing wildlife corridors in Gabon. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:329-338. [PMID: 30022531 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Corridors are intended to increase species survival by abating landscape fragmentation resulting from the conversion of natural habitats into human-dominated matrices. Conservation scientists often rely on 1 type of corridor model, typically the least-cost model or current-flow model, to construct a linkage design, and their choice is not usually based on theory or empirical evidence. We developed a method to empirically confirm whether corridors produced by these 2 models are used by target species under current landscape conditions. We applied this method in the Gamba landscape between 2 national parks in southwestern Gabon. We collected signs of presence of African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), and 2 apes, western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and central chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes), on transects. We used patch-occupancy models to identify least-cost and current-flow corridors for these 4 species. On average, 28.7% of current-flow corridors overlapped with least-cost corridors, confirming that the choice of corridor model can affect the location of the resulting linkage design. We validated these corridors by monitoring signs and examining camera detections on new transects within and outside modeled corridors. Current-flow corridors performed better than least-cost corridors for elephants, whereas the opposite was found for buffalo and apes. Locations of the highest priority corridors for the 3 taxa did not overlap, and only 18.3% of their combined surface was common among 2 species. We used centrality metrics to calculate the average contribution of corridor pixels to landscape connectivity and derived an index that can be used to prioritize corridors. As a result, we recommend protecting at least 17.4% of the land surface area around Gamba town to preserve the preferred travel routes of the target species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadrien P A Vanthomme
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 705, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012, U.S.A
| | - Brave S Nzamba
- World Wildlife Fund, Gabon Country Program Office, Montée de Louis, BP 9144, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Alfonso Alonso
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 705, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012, U.S.A
| | - Angelique F Todd
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 705, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012, U.S.A
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Li X, Bleisch WV, Jiang X. Using large spatial scale camera trap data and hierarchical occupancy models to evaluate species richness and occupancy of rare and elusive wildlife communities in southwest China. DIVERS DISTRIB 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xueyou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution; Kunming Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Kunming Yunnan China
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources; Laboratory of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Yunnan University; Kunming China
| | | | - Xuelong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution; Kunming Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Kunming Yunnan China
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources; Laboratory of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Yunnan University; Kunming China
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van Pinxteren BOCM, Sirianni G, Gratton P, Després-Einspenner ML, Egas M, Kühl H, Lapuente J, Meier AC, Janmaat KRL. Sooty mangabeys scavenge on nuts cracked by chimpanzees and red river hogs-An investigation of inter-specific interactions around tropical nut trees. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22895. [PMID: 30024029 PMCID: PMC6174941 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Carrion scavenging is a well‐studied phenomenon, but virtually nothing is known about scavenging on plant material, especially on remnants of cracked nuts. Just like meat, the insides of hard‐shelled nuts are high in energetic value, and both foods are difficult to acquire. In the Taï forest, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and red river hogs (Potamochoerus porcus) crack nuts by using tools or strong jaws, respectively. In this study, previously collected non‐invasive camera trap data were used to investigate scavenging by sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys), two species of Guinea fowl (Agelestres meleagrides; Guttera verreauxi), and squirrels (Scrunidae spp.) on the nut remnants cracked by chimpanzees and red river hogs. We investigated how scavengers located nut remnants, by analyzing their visiting behavior in relation to known nut‐cracking events. Furthermore, since mangabeys are infrequently preyed upon by chimpanzees, we investigated whether they perceive an increase in predation risk when approaching nut remnants. In total, 190 nut‐cracking events were observed in four different areas of Taï National Park, Ivory Coast. We could confirm that mangabeys scavenged on the nuts cracked by chimpanzees and hogs and that this enabled them to access food source that would not be accessible otherwise. We furthermore found that mangabeys, but not the other species, were more likely to visit nut‐cracking sites after nut‐cracking activities than before, and discuss the potential strategies that the monkeys could have used to locate nut remnants. In addition, mangabeys showed elevated levels of vigilance at the chimpanzee nut‐cracking sites compared with other foraging sites, suggesting that they perceived elevated danger at these sites. Scavenging on remnants of cracked nuts is a hitherto understudied type of foraging behavior that could be widespread in nature and increases the complexity of community ecology in tropical rainforests. By use of camera trap videos it was confirmed that mangabeys scavenge on the nut remnants cracked by chimpanzees and red river hogs. Squirrels and two types of guinea fowl might scavenge on these nut remnants but this could not be seen clearly. Looking at the visitation rate before and after nut cracking events it was found that the possible scavenging species were more present at the nut cracking sites after a nut cracking event took place. It was found that mangabeys have an increase in vigilance behavior at chimpanzee nut cracking sites compared with outside these chimpanzee nut cracking sites, indicating that the mangabeys perceive a higher risk at these nut cracking sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryndan O C M van Pinxteren
- Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giulia Sirianni
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paolo Gratton
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Martijn Egas
- Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hjalmar Kühl
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Juan Lapuente
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Amelia C Meier
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Karline R L Janmaat
- Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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Baker AD, Leberg PL. Impacts of human recreation on carnivores in protected areas. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195436. [PMID: 29621335 PMCID: PMC5886570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian carnivores can be particularly sensitive to human disturbance, even within protected areas (PAs). Our objective was to understand how human disturbance affects carnivore communities in southern Arizona, USA by studying habitat occupancy based on data collected using non-invasive methods in three PAs with different levels of human disturbance. Carnivore occupancy varied based on human disturbance variables (i.e., roads, trails, etc.). Common carnivore species (coyotes, gray foxes, and bobcats) had high occupancy probability in highly disturbed sites, while all other carnivore species had a higher probability of occupancy in low disturbance protected areas. Additionally, overall carnivore diversity was higher in PAs with low human disturbance. Edges of PAs appeared to negatively impact occupancy of nearly all carnivore species. We also found the presence of roads and trails, and not necessarily how much they are used, had a significant negative impact on the occupancy of most carnivore species. Furthermore, the overall level of disturbance within a PA influenced how sensitive carnivores were to human disturbance variables. Carnivores were more sensitive in PAs with higher levels of disturbance and were relatively unaffected by disturbance variables in a PA with low base levels of disturbance. Increased visitation to PAs, expected with the region's high level of population growth, is likely to cause shifts in the carnivore communities favoring species that are less sensitive to disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Darnell Baker
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Paul L. Leberg
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States of America
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28
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Conservation of chimpanzees Pan troglodytes verus and other primates depends on forest patches in a West African savannah landscape. ORYX 2017. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605317001090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and human–wildlife conflict threaten the survival of primates across Africa. Particularly dramatic forest losses have occurred outside protected areas in the Guinean forest–savannah transition zone. Using the Boé region, Guinea-Bissau, as a case study, we investigated whether and how this rapidly humanized mosaic of wooded savannah, gallery forests and cropland could sustain viable primate populations. We conducted line transect surveys and reconnaissance (recce) walks to assess populations of one Critically Endangered (chimpanzee Pan troglodytes verus), one Endangered (Temminck's red colobus Piliocolobus badius temminckii), one Vulnerable (king colobus Colobus polykomos), and one Near Threatened (sooty mangabey Cercocebus atys) arboreal primates across a 104 km2 section of Boé in the dry season of 2016. Using the standing crop nest count method we estimated a relatively high chimpanzee density (0.77 individuals per km2, 95% CI 0.45–1.34). An assessment of habitat selection showed that chimpanzees prefer semi-dense forest and fallow fields with remnant old trees for nesting, and locations close to rivers. The other primates studied occurred in extremely low densities and were largely restricted to gallery forests. Our results indicate a need for immediate action to ensure the long-term survival of the primate community in the human-dominated landscape of Boé. Our recommendations include action to maintain hunting pressure at a low level, restoring and protecting gallery forests, introducing incentives for farmers for forest protection and primate-friendly practices, and extending the conservation programme to all arboreal primates in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritz Kleinschroth
- Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems; Department of Environmental Systems Science; ETH Zurich; Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich Switzerland
- Forêts et Sociétés; Département Environnements et Sociétés; CIRAD; Campus International de Baillarguet TA C-105/D 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - John R. Healey
- School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography; Bangor University; Bangor Gwynedd LL57 2UW UK
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Vanthomme HPA, Tobi E, Todd AF, Korte L, Alonso A. Antipoaching standards in onshore hydrocarbon concessions drawn from a Central African case study. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2017; 31:696-706. [PMID: 27730677 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Unsustainable hunting outside protected areas is threatening tropical biodiversity worldwide and requires conservationists to engage increasingly in antipoaching activities. Following the example of ecocertified logging companies, we argue that other extractive industries managing large concessions should engage in antipoaching activities as part of their environmental management plans. Onshore hydrocarbon concessions should also adopt antipoaching protocols as a standard because they represent a biodiversity threat comparable to logging. We examined the spatiotemporal patterns of small- and large-mammal poaching in an onshore oil concession in Gabon, Central Africa, with a Bayesian occupancy model based on signs of poaching collected from 2010 to 2015 on antipoaching patrols. Patrol locations were initially determined based on local intelligence and past patrol successes (adaptive management) and subsequently with a systematic sampling of the concession. We generated maps of poaching probability in the concession and determined the temporal trends of this threat over 5 years. The spatiotemporal patterns of large- and small-mammal poaching differed throughout the concession, and likely these groups will need different management strategies. By elucidating the relationship between site-specific sampling effort and detection probability, the Bayesian method allowed us to set goals for future antipoaching patrols. Our results indicate that a combination of systematic sampling and adaptive management data is necessary to infer spatiotemporal patterns with the statistical method we used. On the basis of our case study, we recommend hydrocarbon companies interested in implementing efficient antipoaching activities in their onshore concessions to lay the foundation of long-needed industry standards by: adequately measuring antipoaching effort; mixing adaptive management and balanced sampling; setting goals for antipoaching effort; pairing patrols with large-mammal monitoring; supporting antipoaching patrols across the landscape; restricting access to their concessions; performing random searches for bushmeat and mammal products at points of entry; controlling urban and agricultural expansion; supporting bushmeat alternatives; and supporting land-use planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadrien P A Vanthomme
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Calle Libertadores 215, San Isidro Lima 27, Peru
| | - Elie Tobi
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, B.P. 48, Gamba, Gabon
| | - Angelique F Todd
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, B.P. 48, Gamba, Gabon
| | - Lisa Korte
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, B.P. 48, Gamba, Gabon
| | - Alfonso Alonso
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 705, Washington, D.C., 20013-7012, U.S.A
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31
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Bennett VJ. Effects of Road Density and Pattern on the Conservation of Species and Biodiversity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40823-017-0020-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Gregory T, Carrasco-Rueda F, Deichmann J, Kolowski J, Alonso A. Primate response to natural gas pipeline construction in the Peruvian Amazon. Biotropica 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tremaine Gregory
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; National Zoological Park; Washington DC 20013 USA
| | - Farah Carrasco-Rueda
- School of Natural Resources and Environment; University of Florida; Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Jessica Deichmann
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; National Zoological Park; Washington DC 20013 USA
| | - Joseph Kolowski
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; National Zoological Park; Front Royal VA 22630 USA
| | - Alfonso Alonso
- Center for Conservation and Sustainability; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; National Zoological Park; Washington DC 20013 USA
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Brichieri-Colombi TA, McPherson JM, Sheppard DJ, Moehrenschlager A. In aid of (re)discovered species: maximizing conservation insights from minimal data. Anim Conserv 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - J. M. McPherson
- Centre for Conservation Research; Calgary Zoological Society; Calgary AB Canada
| | - D. J. Sheppard
- Centre for Conservation Research; Calgary Zoological Society; Calgary AB Canada
| | - A. Moehrenschlager
- Centre for Conservation Research; Calgary Zoological Society; Calgary AB Canada
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Breuer T, Maisels F, Fishlock V. The consequences of poaching and anthropogenic change for forest elephants. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2016; 30:1019-1026. [PMID: 26801000 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Poaching has devastated forest elephant populations (Loxodonta cyclotis), and their habitat is dramatically changing. The long-term effects of poaching and other anthropogenic threats have been well studied in savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana), but the impacts of these changes for Central Africa's forest elephants have not been discussed. We examined potential repercussions of these threats and the related consequences for forest elephants in Central Africa by summarizing the lessons learned from savannah elephants and small forest elephant populations in West Africa. Forest elephant social organization is less known than the social organization of savannah elephants, but the close evolutionary history of these species suggests that they will respond to anthropogenic threats in broadly similar ways. The loss of older, experienced individuals in an elephant population disrupts ecological, social, and population parameters. Severe reduction of elephant abundance within Central Africa's forests can alter plant communities and ecosystem functions. Poaching, habitat alterations, and human population increase are probably compressing forest elephants into protected areas and increasing human-elephant conflict, which negatively affects their conservation. We encourage conservationists to look beyond documenting forest elephant population decline and address the causes of these declines when developing conversation strategies. We suggest assessing the effectiveness of the existing protected-area networks for landscape connectivity in light of current industrial and infrastructure development. Longitudinal assessments of the effects of landscape changes on forest elephant sociality and behavior are also needed. Finally, lessons learned from West African elephant population loss and habitat fragmentation should be used to inform strategies for land-use planning and managing human-elephant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Breuer
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York, 10460, U.S.A..
| | - Fiona Maisels
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York, 10460, U.S.A
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Vicki Fishlock
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Amboseli Trust for Elephants, Langata 00509, Nairobi, P.O. Box 15135, Kenya
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Relationship between human disturbance and Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca habitat use in the Daxiangling Mountains. ORYX 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605315000800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca is one of the most threatened mammals. The species has experienced declines in its population and habitat as a result of human disturbance. We investigated the influence of human disturbance on habitat use by giant pandas in the Daxiangling Mountains, in China's Sichuan Province. We mapped all signs of giant panda and all locations of seven types of human disturbance in the study area. We used correlation analysis, generalized linear models, and Akaike information criteria to analyse the influence of the various types of human disturbances on habitat use by the giant panda. Our results showed that habitat use was positively correlated with elevation and distance from roads, residences, hydropower stations and logging or tree-felling sites, but negatively correlated with distance from bamboo shoot collection sites and trap sites. We found that the road-effect zone spanned a distance of c. 1,200 m and that human residence could affect the intensity of habitat use by giant pandas at distances > 2,500 m. The effect of roads on habitat use was probably influenced by the association of roads with residences, hydropower stations and mines. In the area occupied by giant pandas, we recommend increased regulation to minimize the expansion and impact of roads, residences, hydropower stations and logging activities.
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Vanthomme H, Kolowski J, Nzamba BS, Alonso A. Hypothesis-driven and field-validated method to prioritize fragmentation mitigation efforts in road projects. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2015; 25:2035-2046. [PMID: 26591467 DOI: 10.1890/14-1924.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The active field of connectivity conservation has provided numerous methods to identify wildlife corridors with the aim of reducing the ecological effect of fragmentation. Nevertheless, these methods often rely on untested hypotheses of animal movements, usually fail to generate fine-scale predictions of road crossing sites, and do not allow managers to prioritize crossing sites for implementing road fragmentation mitigation measures. We propose a new method that addresses these limitations. We illustrate this method with data from southwestern Gabon (central Africa). We used stratified random transect surveys conducted in two seasons to model the distribution of African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), and sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii) in a mosaic landscape along a 38.5 km unpaved road scheduled for paving. Using a validation data set of recorded crossing locations, we evaluated the performance of three types of models (local suitability, local least-cost movement, and regional least-cost movement) in predicting actual road crossings for each species, and developed a unique and flexible scoring method for prioritizing road sections for the implementation of road fragmentation mitigation measures. With a data set collected in <10 weeks of fieldwork, the method was able to identify seasonal changes in animal movements for buffalo and sitatunga that shift from a local exploitation of the site in the wet season to movements through the study site in the dry season, whereas elephants use the entire study area in both seasons. These three species highlighted the need to use species- and season-specific modeling of movement. From these movement models, the method ranked road sections for their suitability for implementing fragmentation mitigation efforts, allowing managers to adjust priority thresholds based on budgets and management goals. The method relies on data that can be obtained in a period compatible with environmental impact assessment constraints, and is flexible enough to incorporate other potential movement models and scoring criteria. This approach improves upon available methods and can help inform prioritization of road and other linear infrastructure segments that require impact mitigation methods to ensure long-term landscape connectivity.
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Disturbance impacts on large rain-forest vertebrates differ with edge type and regional context in Sulawesi, Indonesia. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467415000450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:Anthropogenic edge effects, whereby disturbance strength increases in proximity to ecotone boundaries, are known to strongly affect individual species but we lack a general understanding of how they vary by species, disturbance type and regional context. We deployed 46 camera-trap stations for a total of 3545 trap-days at two sites in Sulawesi, Indonesia, obtaining 937 detections of five vertebrate species. Anoa (Bubalus spp.) were more abundant near edges, booted macaque (Macaca ochreata) and red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) were less abundant near edges, and edges did not impact Sulawesi warty pig (Sus celebensis) or Malay civet (Viverra tangalunga). But the relative importance of habitat disturbance from agriculture, roads and villages differed for each species, and edge-induced disturbances varied not only in magnitude but also in direction between the study areas. In the strongest instance, macaque local abundance was 3.5 times higher near villages than it was 3 km into the forest in one reserve, but 2.8 times higher 3 km into the forest than near villages in the other reserve. Our results suggest that responses to habitat edges among species and edge types are idiosyncratic, and that landscape-level context can strongly alter the influence of local disturbance on biodiversity.
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Early post-release movement of reintroduced lions (Panthera leo) in Dinokeng Game Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-015-0962-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Akomo-Okoue EF, Inoue E, Atteke C, Nakashima Y, Hongo S, Inoue-Murayama M, Yamagiwa J. Noninvasive genetic analysis for assessing the abundance of duiker species among habitats in the tropical forest of Moukalaba, Gabon. MAMMAL RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-015-0233-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Cibot M, Bortolamiol S, Seguya A, Krief S. Chimpanzees facing a dangerous situation: A high-traffic asphalted road in the Sebitoli area of Kibale National Park, Uganda. Am J Primatol 2015; 77:890-900. [PMID: 25864720 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite the spread of road infrastructures throughout Africa to support regional development, industry, and tourism, few studies have examined how wild animals adapt their behavior and ecology in road-forest ecotones. Indeed, while numerous studies have demonstrated chimpanzee adaptability in anthropogenic landscapes, none have examined the effects of asphalted highways on wild chimpanzee behaviors. In a 29-month survey, we assessed the dangers posed by an asphalted road crossing the Sebitoli area of Kibale National Park (Uganda). We analyzed 122 individual chimpanzee crossings. Although the asphalted road represents a substantial threat to crossing animals (89 motorized vehicles per hour use this road and individuals of six different primate species were killed in 1 year), chimpanzees took into account this risk. More than 90% of the individuals looked right and left before and while crossing. Chimpanzees crossed in small subgroups (average 2.7 subgroups of 2.1 individuals per crossing event). Whole parties crossed more rapidly when chimpanzees were more numerous in the crossing groups. The individuals most vulnerable to the dangers of road crossing (females with dependents, immature, and severely injured individuals) crossed less frequently compared with non-vulnerable individuals (lone and healthy adolescents and adults). Moreover, healthy adult males, who were the most frequent crossing individuals, led progressions more frequently when crossing the road than when climbing or descending feeding trees. Almost 20% of the individuals that crossed paid attention to conspecifics by checking on them or waiting for them while crossing. These observations are relevant for our understanding of adaptive behavior among chimpanzees in human-impacted habitats. Further investigations are needed to better evaluate the effects of busy roads on adolescent female dispersal and on their use of territories. Mitigation measures (e.g., bridges, underpasses, reduced speed limits, speed-bumps, signposts, or police controls) should be established in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Cibot
- UMR 7206, Eco-Anthropologie et Ethnobiologie, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, France.,Great Ape Conservation Project (GACP), Sebitoli Research Station, Kibale National Park, Fort Portal, Uganda.,UMR 7179, Mécanismes adaptatifs: des organismes aux communautés, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Bortolamiol
- UMR 7206, Eco-Anthropologie et Ethnobiologie, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, France.,Great Ape Conservation Project (GACP), Sebitoli Research Station, Kibale National Park, Fort Portal, Uganda.,UMR 7533, Laboratoire Dynamiques Sociales et Recomposition des Espaces, Paris Diderot University (Sorbonne Paris Cité), Paris, France
| | | | - Sabrina Krief
- UMR 7206, Eco-Anthropologie et Ethnobiologie, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, France.,Great Ape Conservation Project (GACP), Sebitoli Research Station, Kibale National Park, Fort Portal, Uganda
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Gantchoff MG, Belant JL. Anthropogenic and environmental effects on invasive mammal distribution in northern Patagonia, Argentina. Mamm Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Nakashima Y. Inventorying medium- and large-sized mammals in the African lowland rainforest using camera trapping. TROPICS 2015. [DOI: 10.3759/tropics.23.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Clements GR, Lynam AJ, Gaveau D, Yap WL, Lhota S, Goosem M, Laurance S, Laurance WF. Where and how are roads endangering mammals in Southeast Asia's forests? PLoS One 2014; 9:e115376. [PMID: 25521297 PMCID: PMC4270763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat destruction and overhunting are two major drivers of mammal population declines and extinctions in tropical forests. The construction of roads can be a catalyst for these two threats. In Southeast Asia, the impacts of roads on mammals have not been well-documented at a regional scale. Before evidence-based conservation strategies can be developed to minimize the threat of roads to endangered mammals within this region, we first need to locate where and how roads are contributing to the conversion of their habitats and illegal hunting in each country. We interviewed 36 experts involved in mammal research from seven Southeast Asian countries to identify roads that are contributing the most, in their opinion, to habitat conversion and illegal hunting. Our experts highlighted 16 existing and eight planned roads - these potentially threaten 21% of the 117 endangered terrestrial mammals in those countries. Apart from gathering qualitative evidence from the literature to assess their claims, we demonstrate how species-distribution models, satellite imagery and animal-sign surveys can be used to provide quantitative evidence of roads causing impacts by (1) cutting through habitats where endangered mammals are likely to occur, (2) intensifying forest conversion, and (3) contributing to illegal hunting and wildlife trade. To our knowledge, ours is the first study to identify specific roads threatening endangered mammals in Southeast Asia. Further through highlighting the impacts of roads, we propose 10 measures to limit road impacts in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopalasamy Reuben Clements
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Kenyir Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
- Panthera, New York, New York, United States of America
- Rimba, 4 Jalan1/9D, Selangor, Malaysia
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
- School of Science, Monash University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Antony J. Lynam
- Center for Global Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - David Gaveau
- Center for International Forestry Research, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Wei Lim Yap
- World Wide Fund for Nature-Malaysia, Jalan PJS 5/28, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Stanislav Lhota
- Department of Husbandry and Ethology, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miriam Goosem
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Susan Laurance
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - William F. Laurance
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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Carvalho JS, Marques TA, Vicente L. Population status of Pan troglodytes verus in Lagoas de Cufada Natural Park, Guinea-Bissau. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71527. [PMID: 23940766 PMCID: PMC3737107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The western chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes verus, has been classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1988. Intensive agriculture, commercial plantations, logging, and mining have eliminated or degraded the habitats suitable for P. t. verus over a large part of its range. In this study we assessed the effect of land-use change on the population size and density of chimpanzees at Lagoas de Cufada Natural Park (LCNP), Guinea-Bissau. We further explored chimpanzee distribution in relation to landscape-level proxies of human disturbance. Nest count and distance-sampling methods were employed along 11 systematically placed linear transects in 2010 and 2011. Estimated nest decay rate was 293.9 days (%CV = 58.8). Based on this estimate of decay time and using the Standing-Crop Nest Count Method, we obtained a habitat-weighted average chimpanzee density estimate for 2011 of 0.22 nest building chimpanzees/km(2) (95% CI 0.08-0.62), corresponding to 137 (95% CI 51.0-390.0) chimpanzees for LCNP. Human disturbance had a negative influence on chimpanzee distribution as nests were built farther away from human settlements, roads, and rivers than if they were randomly distributed, coinciding with the distribution of the remaining patches of dense canopy forest. We conclude that the continuous disappearance of suitable habitat (e.g. the replacement of LCNP's dense forests by monocultures of cashew plantations) may be compromising the future of one of the most threatened Guinean coastal chimpanzee populations. We discuss strategies to ensure long-term conservation in this important refuge for this chimpanzee subspecies at its westernmost margin of geographic distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana S Carvalho
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, Lisbon University, Campo Grande C2, Lisboa, Portugal.
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